5 Ways the Table is Different

5 Ways the Table is Different

We've talked about why your church might see benefits in a private social network like the Table versus a public social network like Facebook. Now it's time to talk about why you should pick the Table as your private social network.

There are other private social networks out there geared for the church. We're happy to be working alongside them and thankful that we're not in this alone. But we think we have something better to offer.

Here are five things that set the Table apart:

1. Nonprofit - Being a nonprofit means we're about our users and mission first. We have no obligation to make a profit, which gives us the freedom and flexibility to serve our users first. This isn't meant as a slam on our competition—we realize they consider themselves ministries as well. But the difference is in the DNA. We're set up to serve a mission, and a business is set up to serve a bottom line.

2. It's a Gift - We offer the Table up to churches completely free. This isn't a low-level trial offer, this is a limitless, any church, any size, any usage for free. We like to call it "priceless." We wanted to eliminate any barriers that can keep your church from growing, and even $10 a month can be a big barrier for a cash-strapped church.

3. Open Architecture - If the Table isn't doing what you need, you can build something to do what you want. We're working on our open API that will allow you to develop your own app for your church—and, if you're willing, share it with all the other Table churches out there. To be fair, our API isn't available yet. But it's in the plan and we're working on it (sign up here to be notified when it's ready). Other church social networks aren't even planning on it.

4. Integrators - The Table is not about re-creating the wheel. If there's something better out there, let's work with it. That's why we integrate with Fellowship One. That's why we import blogs, podcasts and videos. That's why we connect with Facebook. There's no need to rebuild what already works. We can just be the social frosting that brings it all together for your church.

5. Flexible and Customizable - The way the Table is set up individual churches can customize the experience. If prayer is important for your church, you make the Prayer Wall the default home page. There are a number of other ways the interface can be customized and allow the Table to be flexible for different groups or campuses.

Learn more about our story, our guiding manifesto and who's behind the Table Project.